Airbnb has released a new plan to address health, safety and bad guest behavior as more people across the country become fully vaccinated and travel picks up for the summer.
The plan includes restrictions for certain users for Fourth of July bookings and requires hosts to continue with COVID-19 enhanced cleaning protocol, along with other steps.
“As people begin to make plans to reconnect with friends and family, Airbnb is launching the Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts, guests and communities they call home stay safer,” Airbnb said in an announcement Monday.
Users “without a history of positive reviews” will be prohibited from booking one-night reservations for entire homes in the U.S. during Fourth of July weekend. Guests who have received positive reviews or have already booked reservations are exempt. The company is also taking steps to address reservations that may “pose heightened risk” for parties. The one-night booking ban is similar to bans Airbnb put in place for New Year’s Eve and Halloween following the rental platform’s ban on parties announced in August.
Airbnb said it also will increase customer service community support staff by 50%. Airbnb’s 24/7 Neighborhood Support Line also will provide support in Spanish to help more hosts get in touch with the company for assistance more easily.
Superhosts worried about parties will get discounts on noise detection devices from Minut. The technology flags users when a particular decibel level is reached. Hosts will be required to note on their listings if the Minut technology is implemented.
While Airbnb is implementing restrictions to deter party activity around a holiday once again, unauthorized parties were never technically allowed on the platform. The company laid down stricter limits last year with a ban on party houses worldwide. Airbnb also completed manual reviews of what it considers high-risk reservations and restricted the rental permissions for guests under the age of 25 as part of its effort to get house parties under control.
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